Tompkins Harrison Matteson(1813-1884)
A follower of William Sydney Mount, Tompkins Harrison Matteson was one of America’s most famous genre and historical painters.
Matteson was born in Peterborough, New York, and while trying to make his way as an artist, he worked as actor in a troupe of strolling Shakespearean players, as well as in other professions. Primarily self-taught, he studied at the National Academy of Design in New York and opened a studio there in 1841. He became an associate of the Academy in 1847.
During the 1840′s Matteson achieved recognition for painting historical subjects such as Signing the Compact of the Pilgrims, First Prayer in Congress and The Spirit of ’76. This last work, purchased by the American Art Union, became a popular engraving.
In 1850, Matteson settled permanently with his growing family in Sherburne, New York, where he played an active role in local state politics. He continued to paint historical themes, rural genre, and portraits, and had a number of pupils, including Elihu Vedder.
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